The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1887-07-14

Cfei SOIL, hlNlN lNb u1lto az '''i 49,
|mirably adapted for 900 unitarian
purposes, but now devoted 20 the use OF the
military department Of tho Atlantic and OF
the New York arsenal in storing useless ana
dismounted cannon, shot, powder, etc. 10
keeping up diapdated and useless Tort ana
an alleged castle on the northwest "hich rs
seen from passing boats seems iormdaole
indeed but which On investigation shows 10
be a rickety and tumble down affair which
any modern ironclad could rae IN short
order Castle William is a standing monu-
ment 10 the man who invented the word
bluff"
Fort Columbus is more formidable work
at the center Of the island, occupied by about
100 men, two batteries of artillery, VINO
"play soldier" 10 their hearts content. That 20
be stationed on Governors Island is the dream
Of half the military men of the country IS
evidence that the surroundings are pleasant
and the duties light, but that the military
station which commands the port Of the me
tropohs is not a more formidable defense and
less beautiful play ground will be the first
cause of wonderment 10 the tourist visiting
the spot
But everything is beautiful; even the short
full, affording a glorious view Of shipping,
water front, the great bridge and the spires
and towers Of the surrounding cities. Near
the landing are imposing piles of bail and
shot, black and suggestive rows of dismal
looking guns, sentries pacing back and forth
about the buildings in bright uniforms Gen
Schofelds residence is the most conspicuous
Of several buildings on the left, almost shut
from view low the mass Of vines, shrubbery
and trees about IL.
Paved and shaded roadways lead through
the grounds The hustle Of commerce has
nothing TO represent it, nor is there anything
TO suggest a place frequented 10y pleasure
seekers. Only three persons went over in the
little steamer with me, and five or six were
with me on the return trip several of them
clerks who live in the city. The occasional
soldiers or bandmen one meets look curiou,ly
on the visitor and seem to like to gossip if not
in view of comrades, but are reticent in the
extreme if on duty or III squads. Az the
grim old castle a sentry PAGES back and forth
before the door
."Can one 20 in" ! asked
"Only to the door,
"Are military offenders confined Within
yes
Chow manyT
II don't know
"What are their OflensesT
81 don't know"
We were allowed a peep ct the crumblng
old amphitheatre within, queer old rooSery,
with galleries around it from which the
prisoners enter their cells. So far as ! can
learn the present prisoners are only minor
misunderstanding out terms for drunken
ness. desertion, etc Eleven or twelve thou
sand Confederate prisoners were kept here 40
one time when the rebellion was i'm progress.
1t must have been an odiOus pen for although
the sun streams down into the amphitheatre
and the air is good within the walls, yet IL is
hard TO surmise where so many men could be
decently hived.
In the moat Of Fort Columbus several
prisoners were moving down the luxuriant
grass under armed guards who were badger
ing each other and laughing heartily as we
approached, but who separated at once as
walked up 10 the party and were at once in
tently engaged in the laudable work Of
watching every movement Of their charges.
Not TO be put off pursued one of them
care these men prisonersN l asked.
YES"
"For any serious OifenseT
"Non
"Wbat did they dol"
~ don't know
"Would they try TO escape if you were to
leave themP
40"
"You are sure they wouldn'tN
"Yesn
"Then why do you guard them|
The fellows eyes didn't twinkle bit as ne
said Il don't know. and moved of.
Gen. Schohelds house has a wide piazza in
front, approached 10y stairs. The door
was partially aiar, showing part of
wide, hospitable hall, with oiled floor and
tiger skin rug. There is no bell. and l
y y